Weightbelt
Delayed Surface Marker Buoy and reel
Kit bag
Cylinder
DIVE KIT EXPLAINED
Weightbelt
What does it do? All your lovely layers of neoprene and insulation come at a price – they add inconvenient buoyancy. In order to descend, you need to add weight in the form of lead worn around the waist in a weightbelt. Depending on the type of suit you wear and the cylinder( s) you use, you will need to wear 8-15k of lead. How do I choose one? The standard weightbelt is a very simple length of webbing into which lead weights can be incorporated, but once you’ ve been diving for a while you’ ll want to get your own. Options vary from pocket models that incorporate blocks of lead, to belts that contain lead shot. Take your time with this one and check out your fellow divers’ weighting solutions before making your decision
Benchmark prices: £ 40 for the belt; £ 80 for the lead
Delayed Surface Marker Buoy and reel
What does it do? An essential item of safety kit, this is an inflatable buoy that can be deployed from depth by introducing gas from your alternate source regulator until it becomes positively buoyant and rises to the surface, gaining momentum as the gas expands. DSMBs are self-sealing, so they remain inflated at the surface and mark your position to your support vessel and other shipping. The buoy is attached to a line on a reel activated by the diver, who then reels it in as he or she ascends. How do I choose one? You should be ready and able to deploy a dSMB when you first start diving in the sea. Your Instructor should advise on suitable models according to your needs; there are some very expensive options, but it’ s best to start with a basic reel and buoy. Benchmark price: £ 40 for the buoy; £ 50 for the reel
Kit bag
What does it do? While amassing all your kit, you will at some point need a proper bag to keep it in one place. And the humble dive bag will become an essential item if you plan to dive abroad. Kit bags used to be great wheeled behemoths, but with strict rules on airplane hold luggage allowances these days, the trick is to have a tough, lightweight bag that can accommodate all your treasured kit. Sometimes, if you’ re buying a lot of kit, a dive shop may be persuaded to throw in a simple bag as a sweetener.
How do I choose one? Look at your own needs – if you’ re diving exclusively in the UK you won’ t need a huge bag, but if you have to cram it with all the essentials for a week in Egypt, you need something capacious. Broadly, you’ ll need something with a capacity of around 100 litres, and which is large enough to accommodate your fins. Benchmark price: £ 60-70
Cylinder
What does it do? Your cylinder contains your breathing gas, compressed to a pressure of 230 bar, so that it is noticeably heavier when filled. Cylinders can be made of aluminium or steel, and are available in a range or sizes according to purpose. Cylinders are subject to mandatory safety inspections and must have a valid, in-date testing stamp in order to be filled. How do I choose one? Most BSAC divers will train with a 10 or 12-litre cylinder and your club will retain and maintain its own set of cylinders for members’ use. At some point your diving needs may become such that you feel the need to buy your own cylinders, but this would normally be some time after qualifying as an Ocean Diver. Benchmark price: £ 250- £ 300 for a 12-litre cylinder
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